REACT Armagh marked its 25-year anniversary with a celebration event and the official launch of the North South Way Peace Camino.
The event, hosted by Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jessica Johnston and supported by ABC Borough Council, took place Tuesday 24 March at The Palace Demesne, Armagh. It brought together partners, stakeholders and community representatives to reflect on REACT’s work over the past 25 years and to look ahead to its next phase of development.
Since its establishment, REACT has worked alongside individuals, families and communities, supporting wellbeing, building connections and creating opportunities for people to come together across backgrounds and generations. Its work has focused on trauma-informed support, community relations and development and fostering positive relationships at a local level.
As part of the event, REACT formally launched the North South Way Peace Camino, a new community-led initiative designed to connect people, places and communities.
The North South Way Peace Camino is a 40-mile route linking Portadown to Carlingford, following the Newry Canal Towpath and the shoreline of Carlingford Lough. The initiative aims to create a shared space where people can walk, connect with nature, explore heritage and take part in activities that support wellbeing and community connection.
The Peace Camino is intended to become a community corridor that supports group walks, creative programmes, heritage engagement and community programmes, while also creating opportunities for local businesses, social enterprises and community organisations.
Speaking at the event, REACT CEO Shirley Hayes reflected on the importance of creating inclusive and accessible spaces that bring people together in meaningful ways. She described the North South Way Peace Camino as a shared pathway for connection, wellbeing and opportunity, that invites people to walk together, strengthen communities and contribute to a peaceful future.
The initiative is also being supported through partnership working, including collaboration with Ulster University’s International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), which will contribute to research and learning on the role of walking, nature and connection in supporting wellbeing and post-conflict recovery.
Community groups, organisations, businesses and social enterprises are invited to become part of the growing North South Way Network. The network offers opportunities to connect, collaborate and contribute to a shared initiative that supports community participation, local enterprise and local economy along the route.
Further Info
To find out more or get involved, please contact REACT at info@reactni.org.